This evening Cellino released a statement on the Cagliari website confirming he had suspended himself from the role of President.

“It was considered necessary out of a sense of duty to the club, the city, the fans and the sporting authorities, especially as it will allow the President to freely defend himself in all courts.

“Cellino believes the time has come to proceed towards a definitive and constructive clarification of his position, without it affecting CagliariCalcio.

“He will return from America to Italy so that he can protect his interests when faced with decisions that were made with scant knowledge of the enormous and shocking problems experienced over the last few months.

“There have been clear misunderstandings and a lack of sensibility shown towards the efforts CagliariCalcio have gone to, directly and without support, to guarantee football at the highest level in Sardinia.”